next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
previous message in thread
Index of Subjects
Index of Subjects Hi Andy, As I understand it, at least in terms of spring migration, the thought is that males of some species (including Ruby-throated, Rufous, Allens, and Calliope hummingbirds) migrate first to stake out territories. Females follow some 2-3 weeks later to be able to take advantage of a nutritionally richer supply of flowers along the migration route. On the southward migration, juveniles tend to follow females. I know there has been a lot of investigation on survivorship of hummingbirds related to the timing of migration, what plants are in bloom over what portion of the migration route, and the ability to stake out territories in optimal/suboptimal habitat. The situation with respect to hummingbirds is also somewhat different from many other birds since male hummingbirds are polygamous and because of the nutritional requirements and physiology of hummingbirds. I don't have the time to investigate further but perhaps someone on the list will know more. Cheers! Chris On 10-Sep-12, at 10:12 AM, andy dean wrote: > Our son-in-law is a budding birder and asked us an interesting > question > which we couldn't answer. > Why do male hummingbirds migrate ahead of the females? Anybody know > the > answer? > > Andy and Lelia Dean > 86 Baden Powell Drive > Kentville, N.S. > (902) 678-6243 > > > > >
next message in archive
next message in thread
previous message in archive
previous message in thread
Index of Subjects